In addition to many local drop-off programs, there are a number of take-back programs that you can participate in by mail including many from common electronics retailers (electronics and printer cartridges). Earth 911 explains how mail in programs work and offers some ideas for mail in programs by category. A number of the following programs are popular in Castro Valley schools but you can also participate at your home or place of business with them too:
Crayola (and other brand) Pens: Crayola ColorCycle is a take back program Crayola runs for all brands of markers, dry erase markers, sharpies and other similar pens.
Elmers Glue Bottles and Sticks: While Elmer’s used to take them back through Elmer’s Glue Crew, Terracycle offers a glue sticks and bottles Zero Waste Box for a fee.
Other Products and Packaging through Terracycle: Other packaging and packaging materials, that cannot go in the recycling cart at home or work, can be harder to recycle nearby. Things like juice pouches, toothpaste tubes, and snack bags can have mail-in recycling options with companies such as Terracycle if you have enough of them. Don’t have enough items to participate in a mail-back program? There are lots of creative ways to repurpose items yourself to end their useful life in the form of another item. Terracycle has collected a bunch of fun do-it-yourself project ideas like juice pouch wallets, food pouch pencil cases, toothpaste tube accessories holder and more.
For those of you wondering if mail-back programs, especially those like Terracycle which is only in New Jersey, are worth it, please take a look at this article for more context and detail to the answer of yes it is okay to ship recyclables cross country - if landfill is the alternative.
Packaging drop-off programs: Local drop off programs are available.
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